The artwork titled “Okajima Yasôemon Tsunetatsu” was crafted by the esteemed artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi around 1847 to 1848. This woodblock print, a notable example of the Ukiyo-e art movement, measures 36.8 by 25.8 centimeters and belongs to the genre of illustration. It forms part of the series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai” and is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The artwork masterfully depicts a samurai, adorned in traditional Japanese attire, characterized by a distinctive black and white garment with triangular patterns and wielding a sword. His intense, stoic expression conveys a sense of readiness and determination. He appears to be pushing or encountering an object resembling a wooden frame or structure, within which two ghostly white hands emerge from a dark, mysterious void. The intricate detailing of the warrior’s clothing, weaponry, and the surrounding structure are signature elements of Kuniyoshi’s style, capturing both the drama and allure of historical samurai tales. The background is filled with Japanese script, likely narrating the story and further enriching the visual narrative of loyalty and valor that the series aims to portray.
